Gaylord vs. Big Rapids will not be scheduled

March 24, 2003|By Mike Dunn

One consequence of the latest incident, which occurred at the end of a regional playoff game at Big Rapids on Feb. 24, is that the schools have agreed not to schedule each other. In the final seconds of Big Rapids' 4-2 playoff victory, a 90-second, a bench-clearing brawl ensued. No one was injured in the incident.

Even though the teams are not in the same conference, they had been meeting each other two times during the regular season. They are also familiar foes in the postseason. In two of the past three years, Gaylord and Big Rapids have met in playoff games, with Gaylord winning in 2001 and Big Rapids winning in 2003.

"This was the best solution for both schools," GHS Athletic Director Christian Wilson said. "This was the only way to assure there won't be any carryover into next year from either side."

The teams could still face each other in the regional playoffs, as long as both schools remain in Division III.